The key facts

  • Syria has lifted the requirement of prior entry approval for US and UK citizens
  • The decision came after videos spread showing Americans claiming they had been denied entry
  • Entry procedures for citizens of other countries remain unchanged

Lifting the Prior Approval Requirement

On Friday, Syria lifted the requirement under which US and UK citizens had to obtain prior approval before entering the country. Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Mohammad Yaqub al-Omar said that entry procedures for citizens of these two countries have returned to the previous arrangement. He called the lifted requirement a temporary measure, but did not explain either the reasons for its introduction or its cancellation. Entry rules for citizens of other countries remain unchanged.

Video Scandal and Acknowledgment of Restrictions

The decision came a day after videos spread on social media showing Americans claiming they had been denied entry to Syria, raising questions about new restrictions for foreign visitors. On Thursday, Mazen Alloush, director of international relations and cooperation at Syria's General Authority of Ports and Customs, confirmed that US citizens had recently been added to the list of nationalities requiring prior approval from the Interior Ministry. According to him, visas are issued at border crossings, but for certain nationalities prior coordination with the relevant authorities is required. Alloush emphasized that his agency implements Interior Ministry instructions and does not determine which nationalities fall under the requirement.

What Remains Unclear

Syrian authorities did not clarify how long the restriction had been in effect for US and UK citizens. Earlier, on April 29, Syria's Foreign Ministry denied reports of changes to entry procedures for foreigners, stating that the rules established by Decision No. 128, adopted in July 2025, remain in force.